Field Sensor for Rapid Weld Hydrogen Assessment

Hydrogen embrittlement is a growing problem with new advanced high strength steels (AHSS). These newer alloys are more susceptible to cracking which usually occurs at ambient temperature and at lower hydrogen concentrations. Conventional methods to determine hydrogen content in a weld involve destructive testing of weld coupons. There is currently no field sensor capable of non-destructive measurements of hydrogen content in the weld. InterSpace proposes developing a unique sensor that can directly measure hydrogen content in the weld and heat-affected zone. Unlike laboratory techniques, the proposed method does not require heating the sample or providing a temperature gradient for measurement. Furthermore, the method is insensitive to surface contamination and steel chemistry. The sensor can be integrated in a portable device for rapid field measurements.